FSH: NFL DRAFT REVIEW

January 13th, 2009 11:55pm PST

2009 NFL Draft Review

Working with the staff over at the NFL Draft Bible, the following is my assessment of how the Rams did with their seven 2009 draft picks. The grade is based on the pick, considering when the pick was taken and how the player developed or did not. For complete coverage of all 32 teams, check out the NFL Draft Bible.

ST. LOUIS RAMS 2009 DRAFT REVIEW

(1-2) Jason Smith, OT, Baylor: The man-beast from the University of Baylor did not have the spectacular rookie season many in St. Louis would have hoped to see him have. Smith played in only eight games this season and with not having anything handed to him he started just five. His inaugural season as a professional lineman was marred by injuries (knee, concussion) which just didn't allow the behemoth ample time on the field to make a consistent contribution. Grade: C-

(2-35) James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State: Perhaps one of the better picks of the 2009 NFL Draft, the rookie from thee Ohio State University quickly earned his reputation as a tough nose gap stuffer. Laurinaitis didn't waste any time earning the starting middle linebacker assignment during training camp. He started all 16 games as a rookie and led the club with 120 tackles, including 107 solo this past season. He's a strong anchor in the middle the team can build around. Grade: A

(3-66) Bradley Fletcher, DB, Iowa: The Ohio native showed some promise early in the season earning the starting gig at one corner for three games before suffering a hyper-extended knee that ended his season in week 7. The third round pick has impressive athletic ability and plays with a physical style of defense, but for a shortened campaign he was on his way to becoming a mainstay at the corner. Grade: B+

(4-103) Darell Scott, DT, Clemson: The big man in the trenches didn't exactly have a coming out party his rookie season. The fourth round pick didn't make much of an impact as a run-stopper this season playing in only 11 games and starting in just five this season (five of the last six). The Rams ranked near the bottom of the well against the run in 2009 and with only 18 tackles his rookie season Scott will have plenty of room for improvement. Grade: D

(5-160) Brooks Foster, WR, North Carolina: The South Carolina native out of UNC brought tremendous athletic ability to the position with good size. Unfortunately for Foster, he suffered a foot injury during training camp that required surgery and ended his rookie campaign prematurely. Foster was expected to challenge for time in the slot, but he will now have to wait until 2010 to see if he can earn a spot in the rotation. Grade: No grade. (Pick received from Falcons)

(6-196) Keith Null, QB, West Texas AM: The sixth round pick wasn't really expected to do anything more than hold a clip board and learn from the sideline, but injuries this season changed all that. A long shot at best, Null had impressive numbers coming out of college, but odds are stacked against making the transition to the bigs. Null had limited opportunity in 2009 starting just four games, but the kid did not fare well throwing nine interceptions. Unfortunately for Null during his short stint he did not show enough to convince management he is the future now. He's still raw, undeveloped, and a ways away from taking the reins in St.Louis; we still need to see a lot more. Grade: C- (pick received from Falcons)

(7-211) Chris Ogbonnaya, RB, Texas: The three-year letterman from the University of Texas started out his professional career on the Rams practice squad. He wasn't promoted to the active roster until late November. Buried deep behind running back Steven Jackson on the depth chart Ogbonnaya saw little action during his active stay. He doesn't appear to be the answer as Jackson's backup right now, but with his size and strength he could easily contribute as a special-teams player; we just haven't seen enough of this kid. Grade: D

Check back for more as I will be covering the NFC West Review…..